Clemson has scoured the entire country for exceptional talent. It has found explosive receivers in Tennessee. It has found five-star quarterbacks in Georgia. It has found defensive linemen in Virginia and Massachusetts.

But the Tigers have also found success in South Carolina with homegrown linebackers.

Through the past two years, Belton native Kendall Joseph has carried the responsibility. Through consistent improvement on the field and remarkable maturation as a leader, Joseph has steadied the second level.

Other linebackers to watch

Junior Tre Lamar has lowered some electrifying hits in the opposing backfield. He can overpower running backs and tight ends and outmaneuver offensive linemen.

Graduate J.D. Davis has served as Clemson’s top reserve linebacker. He started the fourth game of the season while Kendall Joseph recovered from an injury. Davis logged 42 snaps that day and notched 10 tackles.

Junior James Skalski has played in two game this season — Game Four in Joseph’s absence and the ACC Championship Game. The NCAA loosened restrictions on redshirts this year. Players can participate in a maximum of four games before burning a year of eligibility. Skalski could play in the Cotton Bowl and the CFP National Championship Game and remain a junior next season.